The Foster-Lambert Family: 10 Shocking Career Changes And Tributes From The Step By Step Cast In 2025

The beloved 90s TGIF sitcom *Step by Step* remains a nostalgic touchstone for an entire generation, but the lives of the Foster-Lambert family have changed dramatically since the show’s finale in 1998. As of December 2025, the cast is making headlines for everything from unexpected career shifts into law and education to heartwarming reunions and, sadly, a profound loss that has touched fans globally. The blended family comedy, which centered on Frank Lambert (Patrick Duffy) and Carol Foster (Suzanne Somers), captivated audiences with its hilarious portrayal of two single parents merging their vastly different families. Now, over two decades later, we dive deep into the current lives and professional endeavors of the entire core cast, revealing their surprising new careers and the recent tributes they’ve shared for their late matriarch.

Complete Biography and Profile of the Core Step by Step Cast

The *Step by Step* cast was a perfect blend of established stars and breakout child actors. Here is a quick look at the main players who brought the Foster and Lambert families to life.

• Suzanne Somers (Carol Foster Lambert)
  • Born: October 16, 1946 (Died: October 15, 2023)
  • Role: The highly strung but loving mother of the Foster children.
  • Career Highlights: *Three's Company*, fitness entrepreneur (ThighMaster), author, and health advocate.
• Patrick Duffy (Frank Lambert)
  • Born: March 17, 1949
  • Role: The laid-back, easygoing contractor and father of the Lambert children.
  • Career Highlights: *Dallas* (Bobby Ewing), *The Bold and the Beautiful*, *The Family Business*.
• Staci Keanan (Dana Foster)
  • Born: June 6, 1975
  • Role: The intellectual, feminist, and often antagonistic eldest Foster daughter.
  • Career Highlights: *My Two Dads*, *Step by Step*, current law professor and attorney.
• Brandon Call (J.T. Lambert)
  • Born: November 17, 1976
  • Role: The eldest, sports-loving, and academically challenged Lambert son.
  • Career Highlights: *Santa Barbara*, *Step by Step*.
• Angela Watson (Karen Foster)
  • Born: November 12, 1975
  • Role: The beautiful, aspiring model and middle Foster daughter.
  • Career Highlights: *Step by Step*, founder of the non-profit Child Actors Supporting Themselves (CAST), educational consultant.
• Christine Lakin (Alicia "Al" Lambert)
  • Born: January 25, 1979
  • Role: The tomboyish, middle Lambert daughter.
  • Career Highlights: *Step by Step*, *Family Guy* (voice acting), *The Goldbergs*, directing, and podcasting.
• Christopher Castile (Mark Foster)
  • Born: June 15, 1980
  • Role: The nerdy, brainy youngest Foster son.
  • Career Highlights: *Beethoven* (Ted Newton), *Step by Step*, current professor and teacher.
• Sasha Mitchell (Cody Lambert)
  • Born: July 27, 1967
  • Role: Frank's nephew, the dim-witted but lovable, martial arts-obsessed character.
  • Career Highlights: *Dallas*, *Kickboxer* film series, *Step by Step*.

The Step by Step Cast: Shocking New Careers and 2025 Updates

The cast of *Step by Step* has largely moved away from the spotlight, pursuing careers that are worlds apart from Hollywood. However, recent events, including a 2024 reunion, have brought many of them back together.

1. The Law Professor and The Podcaster: Staci Keanan and Christine Lakin

The on-screen rivalry between Dana Foster (Staci Keanan) and Al Lambert (Christine Lakin) has transformed into a real-life friendship and business partnership. In one of the most surprising career shifts, Staci Keanan, who now goes by her married name, Staci Birtwhistle, is a practicing attorney and a law professor. Meanwhile, Christine Lakin has remained active in the entertainment industry, taking on roles in popular shows like *Family Guy* (voice work) and *The Goldbergs*. The two reunited to launch a rewatch podcast in 2024 titled "Keanan and Lakin Give You Déjà Vu," where they break down episodes of the classic sitcom. This podcast offers a fresh, weekly dose of nostalgia and behind-the-scenes secrets for dedicated fans.

2. The Educational Consultant: Angela Watson

Angela Watson, who played the aspiring model Karen Foster, has completely left the acting world. She now runs a highly successful career as an educational consultant. Watson is the founder of "Truth for Teachers" and "The 40 Hour Teacher Workweek" program, dedicated to helping educators streamline their work and prevent burnout. Her shift from TGIF star to a leading voice in teacher professional development is arguably one of the most dramatic and impactful career changes among the cast.

3. The History Teacher and Political Science Professor: Christopher Castile

Christopher Castile, known for playing the brainy Mark Foster, also chose a path in academia. After the show ended, he earned both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree from California State University, Long Beach. Today, Castile is a US History teacher at Downey High School and an adjunct professor of political science at Biola University in California. This role perfectly mirrors his character's intellectual nature, making his career transition feel like a natural extension of Mark Foster's future.

4. The Martial Artist and '90s Con Regular: Sasha Mitchell

Sasha Mitchell, who portrayed the lovable but slow-witted Cody Lambert, has leaned into his real-life expertise. Mitchell is a trained martial artist and has appeared in various martial arts events in recent years. While he has taken on sporadic acting roles, his most recent public appearance was a heartwarming cast reunion at '90s Con in 2024, where he joined many of his former co-stars to celebrate the show’s legacy.

5. The Private Life: Brandon Call, Josh Byrne, and Emily Mae Young

Several of the younger cast members opted for a life completely outside the public eye. * Brandon Call (J.T. Lambert): Brandon Call quit acting after *Step by Step* ended. While he keeps a very low profile, reports suggest he works in the family business, which includes a gas station. He was also reportedly spotted at the 90s Con reunion. * Josh Byrne (Brendan Lambert): The youngest Lambert son, who mysteriously disappeared from the final season's storyline, left acting and is reportedly involved in Renaissance Fairs and other "nerd stuff," preferring a quiet, private life. * Emily Mae Young (Lily Foster-Lambert): Young, who joined the show late as the youngest child, Lily, also left Hollywood. After transitioning from child acting, she reportedly moved into content creation.

The Enduring Legacy of Suzanne Somers and Patrick Duffy's New Projects

The heart of *Step by Step* was the chemistry between its two leading stars, Patrick Duffy and Suzanne Somers. Their blended family dynamic was the foundation of the entire series.

A Tribute to Carol Foster: Suzanne Somers’ Passing

The *Step by Step* family faced a profound loss when Suzanne Somers (Carol Foster Lambert) passed away in October 2023, just one day before her 77th birthday. Her death triggered an outpouring of tributes from the entire cast, who remembered her as a vibrant, supportive, and dedicated professional. The 2024 '90s Con reunion became a special moment for the cast to honor her memory and her immense contribution to the show and their lives.

Patrick Duffy: Carrying the Torch and Reunion Hopes

Patrick Duffy (Frank Lambert) continues his long and successful acting career. He is best known for his iconic role as Bobby Ewing on *Dallas*, but he has taken on new projects, including a recurring role in the BET series *The Family Business*. Duffy has been vocal about his desire for a proper *Step by Step* reunion. He has expressed interest in a two-hour reunion special, stating he would "love to work with Suzanne [Somers] again," a sentiment he shared before her passing. While a full-fledged reboot is unlikely without Somers, Duffy’s hope for a tribute or special project keeps the possibility of seeing the Foster-Lambert family together again alive for fans. The enduring popularity of the series, especially among the TGIF nostalgic crowd, ensures that the blended family’s story continues to resonate.